FDC endorses UPC candidate in Laroo-Pece parliamentary race

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GULU CITY - The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leadership in Gulu City has formally endorsed Simon Opoka, the candidate from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), in the upcoming parliamentary elections for the Laroo-Pece Division.

This decision follows the withdrawal of Geoffrey Komakech, the initially nominated FDC candidate, who cited personal constraints as his reason for stepping down from the race.

The electoral landscape in the Laroo-Pece Division appears notably competitive, with Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao contesting the incumbent, Rev. Fr Charles Onen, among others.

Raymond Opira, UPC Secretary for Gulu City, commended FDC’s endorsement as a reinforcement of opposition solidarity, aligning with the overarching political ambitions of the Acholi populace.

The Laroo-Pece parliamentary race initially featured ten candidates, but the Electoral Commission has confirmed the withdrawal of two candidates, Caesar Lubangakene (Independent) and Geoffrey Komakech (FDC), both citing personal motivations and a shift toward other pursuits.

On Thursday, Opoka, who previously defected from the Democratic Party (DP) after failing to secure its endorsement, welcomed the coalition's support and characterised it as strategic.

He expressed optimism regarding his electoral prospects, notwithstanding allegations that some opponents are resorting to financial inducements to sway the electorate.

Addressing the media at the Golden Peace Hotel, FDC Gulu Secretary General Willison Oyat Chaga said that this endorsement is an emblematic move within a newly established opposition coalition aimed at consolidating efforts against the National Resistance Movement (NRM) across the Acholi sub-region.

UPC party chairman in Gulu city. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)

This coalition, formed on December 14, 2025, encompasses several opposition parties united by a common objective: to challenge NRM’s dominance at all levels in Acholi.

Chaga also condemned what he described as election-related violence directed at opposition supporters in Gulu City.

On December 18, FDC convened a grassroots meeting in Laliya Cell, gathering 76 party leaders from various wards in the Laroo-Pece Division. The assembly reached a unanimous consensus to mobilise support for Opoka by leveraging FDC's grassroots network.

The Electoral Commission has scheduled January 15, 2026, for the polling of both presidential and parliamentary elections.